As others suspected, the machine doesn't let me log in from console, only hardware warnings are displayed (BNC token ring not connected), otherwise the machine boots, but is inaccessible and just halts with 517. Looks like I'll need to consult higher power (it has support contract)

If you only see boot messages but no login on serial, it means either the machine isn't running getty on that serial line or it doesn't like your console cable. You need a fully wired laplink cable for it to be happy.

A workaround is to put the box into service mode, boot from an AIX CD, and go through the menus to get a maintenance shell on the box. Launch 'smit', configure the network adapter, set it for 'now and reboot', and reboot. Now, you should be able to telnet/rlogin in and continue on with setup.

Since I've been trying to revive all of my gear recently, I gave this one another try: plugged in power, turned the "ignition" key into "OK" position, and pressed starter...erm, power on switch... and while waiting for boot sequence to _ever_ finish, got busy with my work related routines. After quite some time I actually noticed something weird: the LED panel was blank! Worrying, I power-cycled it, this time observing - went thru 517, stopped on 558 for like 3 minutes... and then went through higher numbers, finally bleeping c33 and going blank...

Obviously you can imagine my happiness upon discovering the meaning of that code. It was even greater when, after plugging InfoWindow II, it showed much wanted AIX 4 greeting screen.

Root had no password. Last login was on...

wait for it...

June 16, 2002,

Unfortunately the terminal's keyboard is broken (a and c are almost unusable), so can't really do much for now, but really glad this gentle thing is working.